Welcome to all. The purpose of this blog is to share information regarding our society, provide timely updates, and mentor each other in our endeavor to research our family histories. Our primary audience is our membership but anyone with genealogical interest is invited to participate.

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

EGS CIG

We had a rousing Computer Interest Group meeting this morning. Our topic was Using the LDS website, Family Search, including the pilot project.

It seems many of the group were unaware of the many research helps and records to be found. there We discussed the problem of finding books housed in Salt Lake which can't be ordered. One option is to take the information, check WorldCat to see it can be found at a library which does interlibrary loan; if so, then your local library should be able to get it for you. In addition, of course, we talked about ordering microfilm/fiche from our local LDS History Center or the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

The pilot project brought oohs and ahhs when the group saw examples of original documents available there. I showed some marriage certificates from Cook County, Illinois and Judy Van Dusen brought up church records (marriage and burial) from St. Louis, MO. (all free!!) Though the LDS is a long way from digitizing and indexing every record held in the mountain, more and more are frequently added on-line so it's important to check back often.

Hopefully, everyone went home and to spend some time playing at these sites!! Even if you weren't at the meeting, it will be worth your while to take a look at these sites.

Yes I thought the program was very good.I have used Family Search some, but I was very glad to learn lots more. I will be looking at this site again to see whatelse I can find now that I have learned about more places and ways to search. Thanks for a great program Becky!Larry Pepper